The body of Tongan Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho is expected to arrive back in Tonga on Tuesday next week.
The Queen Mother died in Auckland at 10:15 pm on Sunday, 19 February after an illness.
Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala made the announcement this afternoon and it was broadcasted nationwide in Tonga.
He said the Queen Mother will be taken to the Nuku’alofa Royal Palace when her body will arrive in the kingdom.
Prince Tupouto’a said the royal family will observe the cultural taboo for only 10 days.
She would be laid to rest at the Mala’ekula Royal Tombs on Wednesday morning, March 1, the Crown Prince said.
HM King Tupou VI had returned to Tongatapu this afternoon from Niuatoputapu.
